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Fantasizing encouraged at library’s ‘con’

By Chris Mayhew;
Published 12:26 p.m. ET Jan. 6, 2014

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Shane Winslow, left, of Cincinnati’s West End laughs he reacts to Highland Heights resident Howard Stine, dressed as the television series character Dr. Who, pulls out a model Sonic Screwdriver during an anime and gaming convention at the Cold Spring Branch of the Campbell County Public Library.
(Photo:
Chris Mayhew/The Community Recorder
)

COLD SPRING – The doctor was in at the Campbell County Public Library as about 15 people gathered for a convention to talk about favorite science fiction shows, books, comics, games and Japanese anime.

Highland Heights resident Howard Stine, 21, said the Jan. 3 weather outside kept many of the convention participants out of costume, but his “Dr. Who” trench coat with suit, tie and scarf was a perfect fit for the day.

He came dressed as David Tennant, the 10th actor to play the time-traveling character Dr. Who from the BBC television series of the same name.

The library convention was a way to find out about other similar gatherings and to discuss topics from board games to comics, he said. There are at least 12 conventions or “cons” happening throughout the year in Northern Kentucky, he said.

“Fandom is taking over everywhere,” Stine said.

Myra Justus, 26, of Alexandria, said many people skipped costumes because of cold weather, and like others she came to talk about comics and costume play – known as cosplay.

Justus said she is spends her free time helping other people care for and get into costumes as a handler. Talking about fantasy, and setting up round table discussions at conventions is Justus’ favorite way to be involved. She attends conventions with no special wardrobe.

“I’m not a costume person,” Justus said.

Cincy Comic Expo (the next one is Sept.19-21), and the Jan. 24-26 anime Ohoyacon in Columbus are some of Justus’ favorite gatherings. She also attends horror conventions and Steampunk futuristic Victorian costume conventions.

For many of these conventions, one of the highlights is a formal ball dance in costume, she said.

“Sometimes at Steampunk conventions at the balls it can be very beautiful, but at horror cons, not so much,” Justus said.

Shane Winslow, a 2013 graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in history, said he came to the library convention because he is trying to learn more about Japanese anime cartoons and books.

According to www.merriam-webster.com, anime is a style of animation that was created in Japan and uses colorful images, strong characters and stories that have a lot of action.

Winslow, of Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood, said when he was a child he didn’t realize the Pokeman and Dragon Ball Z games he played were Japanese anime cartoons. People are more willing to openly discuss and display their interest in science fiction and fantasy subjects, so the number of conventions keeps growing, he said.

“I’m a nerd at heart,” Winslow said. “I grew up playing ‘Magic: The Gathering.’”